Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in Warminster, Pennsylvania for receiving the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. In 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was launched by the U.S. Department of Education in an effort to identify the best school leadership and teaching practices in America. Today, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes both public and non-public schools where students and faculty excel. As one of only fourteen schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to receive this award, it is certainly a testament to the quality of education that the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School provides. An educated workforce is the backbone of a strong economy and a prosperous society. Therefore, it is essential that we equip our students with the tools they need to become successful employers and employees in the future. The Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School is a model of the type of excellence that all schools should aspire to. It is an institution that prepares our children to be future leaders and scholars, and I am proud to honor it today. I am extremely grateful of the hard work and dedication of the administrators, facility, students, and parents who are involved with the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School. A few individuals that I would like to personally recognize are Father Angelo R. Citino, Principal Roselee Maddaloni, and Vice Principal Laura Clark, for their continued efforts in providing an environment for excellence. Congratulations once again to the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School for winning the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. Thank you for all that you do for the Bucks County community, it is an honor to be your representative in the United States Congress.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as we approach Veterans Day and we set aside time to recognize our Nation's veterans, also to address the problem of homelessness among those who have served our Nation. Homelessness is a problem facing many Americans today, but it is particularly acute in the veteran community. While less than 10 percent of the population of the United States are veterans, they comprise 25 percent of the entire homeless population. All told, the Veterans Administration estimates that there are 107,000 homeless veterans nationwide. Among a population that have devoted themselves to the service of our Nation, these numbers are unacceptable. The National Cemetery at Washington Crossing is located in my congressional district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and serves as a final resting place for many veterans. The location of the National Cemetery is in the heart of Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District and places the plight of all veterans, homeless or not, preeminently in the collective psyche of my community. Bucks County takes a solemn measure of pride in guarding both the mortal remains and the honor of veterans from across the Nation. And while Bucks County is honored and proud to provide a final resting place or final home to our Nation's veterans, our Nation must ensure all veterans are honored and sheltered while they are living as well. Today I would like to share one of their stories. This past Flag Day, I was handed a pouch containing spent shell casings from a memorial service at the National Cemetery. The casings were from the service of U.S. Army Veteran John Griffin, who was buried at the National Cemetery at Washington Crossing earlier this year. John served our Nation in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He passed away in February of this year at a nursing home in Pennsylvania, and for some period before John entered the nursing home, he was homeless. John's service was not attended by any relatives or friends. The National Cemetery holds monthly services for veterans who are laid to rest without the presence of their families. At this service, the flag that draped John's coffin was accepted by a group of women from the community who have undertaken this role to provide a measure of respect and recognition to those who have passed. Despite numerous inquiries, neither I nor my staff has been able to learn any more about the life, service, or death of John Griffin. We know that John was honorably discharged, but beyond that, his life and his service to our Nation have been lost for the next generation of soldiers who will serve. In his second inaugural address, President Lincoln, looking at the wounds that needed to be healed as the Civil War drew to a close, charged our Nation ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle.'' This we must do, but we must be ever mindful that homelessness, among veterans or among the population at large, is often a symptom of a deeper problem. Addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, and strained family relations can collude to leave veterans without shelter. And while these factors may explain homelessness among veterans, they do not excuse us, as a Nation, from remedying it. I do not know with any certainty what, if any, root causes led to John Griffin's homelessness, but I'm certain that our Nation owed him better. We owed him more than a makeshift camp in a local woods. We must rededicate ourselves to the service of those who have served our Nation. The story of John Griffin is not rare, but we must work to make it so, because among the men and women who sacrificed and risked their lives in the service of our Nation, one homeless veteran is too many.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For those of you who do not know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Founded in 1985, this is an annual campaign by various breast cancer organizations to increase awareness of the disease. Part of the awareness includes educating the public about early detection, the cause, diagnosis, treatment, and support for survivors. Not long ago, I survived my fight with cancer, and since then, I have made it a top priority to help others overcome this terrible disease. Along with Congresswoman Betty Sutton, I introduced the Breast Cancer Recovery Improvement Act (H.R. 2510) to provide critical medical devices to women recovering from post-mastectomy breast cancer surgery. The American people have become much more aware of this deadly disease. Today, on the 25th anniversary, I'd like to thank all of the people who have been involved with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be it wearing a pink ribbon to pledge your support, or giving a donation for cancer research, it all plays an important part in promoting the message, so that way we can finally find a cure for this disease.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the gentleman for the time and also for his leadership in bringing both parties together around this idea that will create jobs in the United States. I rise in support of the rule today and in support of the underlying legislation. Throughout the past year, I have heard over and over again from small businesses, from women-owned businesses, from contracting businesses, hospitals and the like that this rule, which essentially amounts to a tax, will hinder business' ability to compete, grow, and thereby create jobs. This bill that's before the House today would right a wrong that unnecessarily punishes good actors, small businesses, and local governments who do business with the Federal Government in good faith. Small businesses, who often operate with the thinnest of margins, will be unnecessarily targeted in the Federal Government's zeal to capture more money. Small and medium-sized businesses are being looked to for our economic recovery. We cannot simultaneously ask American companies to begin hiring again while we withhold the capital that they require to grow. Additionally, while the 3 percent withholding bill was originally well-intentioned, implementation of this rule has been continuously delayed, most recently in the 2009 stimulus bill and again by the IRS in May of 2011. This is a clear indication of the widespread recognition that this provision is costly and harmful to our economy. So, Mr. Speaker, I cosponsored this underlying bill because it is bipartisan legislation that will be good for the economy and will help create certainty for job creators. The President has expressed support for this repeal. I urge swift action on the legislation in the Senate. I ask my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. There's much debate on the floor of this House about the plight of the uninsured. We need more discussion about health care solutions, and we need more praise for those health care professionals in our communities who do the hard work of providing health care for the poor and the uninsured without government mandate and without government involvement. I rise today to honor the 20th anniversary of the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center, part of St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Bucks County. For over two decades, the Mother Bachmann Center has been providing women of Bucks County with the health care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Certified nurse midwives provide obstetrical care to women who are uninsured and are underinsured. Women who would otherwise go without quality medical care during their pregnancy have access to a wide range of services, including nutrition education, financial counseling, and prenatal and delivery care. The Mother Bachmann Center is also able to partner with Catholic Social Services in order to identify patients at risk for postpartum depression and to offer them social support and important counseling services. This Center aims to provide a continuum of care to new mothers and their families who are in need. St. Mary and its partners offer emergency housing in 10 local apartments, where families receive financial counseling, parenting skills instruction, and computer education to help them in their search for employment. The Mother Bachmann Center also offers confidential domestic violence evaluations and resource referrals in partnership with a local nonprofit agency that helps women and helps families in crisis. This Center is just one part of a larger group of community programs, including the Children's Health Center and the Family Resource Center, that serve expecting and new mothers of Bucks County through St. Mary Medical Center. The Mother Bachmann Center is a prime example of charitable organizations and community groups coming together to address an important issue with effective local solutions. St. Mary Medical Center, with this center, has provided the community of Bucks County with an alternative to handouts from the State, local, or Federal Government. These types of programs not only provide quality health care services, but they also empower women to take charge of their pregnancies and navigate their first trials as a new mother. As this Congress continues to debate issues of health care and the proper role of the government in the industry, I urge my colleagues to look at this center as a model for efficient community-based solutions. Thomas Jefferson once said that ``Health is worth more than learning.'' It is true. But we can all learn from projects like the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center about what it takes and how to provide health and health care for our most at-risk constituents. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to rise today to honor the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center as it celebrates 20 years of providing families in need with important health and human services.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for his leadership on this legislation. I think you are absolutely right that this is a bipartisan moment here in the House, Members from both sides of the aisle coming together around a common goal. Many from Pennsylvania recognize that if this bill becomes law, it would be not just great for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but we'll see jobs created in the private sector, and it'll be good for our great Nation. So I rise in support of one of the few bipartisan plans for energy independence, job creation and infrastructure investment, the bill H.R. 1861. I'm a proud cosponsor of this legislation because it addresses America's energy problems. It puts in place a plan to start rebuilding our country's aging infrastructure. And, most importantly, it creates American jobs. From the gas pump to electric bills, increased energy costs are straining American families and hurting American businesses. The U.S. Energy Information Administration has projected that the cost of heating our homes and offices will undoubtedly rise this winter. Bernard Crandley, Bill Edmonds, and Richard Barkman, constituents of mine from the Eighth District of Pennsylvania, have recently contacted me and shared their concerns with these increased costs as winter approaches. In just the last 2 years, families are spending over $2,000 more on fueling their cars. Moreover, the population of the United States continues to soar above 300 million, which means that traffic congestion will only get worse, especially in our area, the northeastern section of the United States. The 2009 Urban Mobility Report finds that traffic congestion in the top 437 urban areas resulted in major choke points and bottlenecks, causing Americans to lose 4.2 billion hours and 2.9 billion gallons of fuel sitting in traffic jams. Congestion hinders our progress in improving air quality, as vehicles caught in stop-and-go traffic emit far more pollutants than they do when operating without frequent breaking and acceleration. This means that our energy costs will only continue to rise. The focus in Washington over the last several months has been our Nation's $14.8 trillion debt and the growing annual deficit. The current magnitude of our debt crisis has forced us to address these concerns with a renewed sense of urgency. Our national debt is growing at nearly $60,000 per second; and with each second that passes, our children and grandchildren inherit more of this burden. Of course, the issue of our Nation's fiscal health and job creation go hand in hand. With unemployment hovering steadily at 9 percent nationwide and our manufacturing sector waning, the number one issue at hand now is how to put people back to work. At town hall meetings across the Eighth District of Pennsylvania, I have been listening to thousands of people, including small business owners, unemployed workers, and families struggling to make ends meet. The consistent message is that Washington must provide certainty and stability before our economy can begin to grow again and start adding new family- sustaining and good-paying jobs. H.R. 1861 provides solutions to these problems in several ways. First, it addresses the need to lower energy costs by authorizing the responsible and environmentally sound leasing of Federal lands on the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas exploration. The U.S. Department of the Interior estimates that we have between 86 billion and 115 billion barrels available off our shores. This is enough oil and gas to replace imports from Venezuela and Saudi Arabia for the next 80 years. In addition to oil and gas exploration, the bill would invest in energy efficiency for our buildings and factories, which waste between 20 and 40 percent of the energy that they consume, and invest in renewable and alternative energy sources and technologies like responsible wind power, solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric vehicles. H.R. 1861 moves us toward energy independence without paying hundreds of dollars per barrel of oil to OPEC and other hostile countries, spending billions daily on importing foreign oil, raising taxes, or increasing our national debt to China and elsewhere. Second, this bill would take billions in proceeds from these drilling leases and directly fund much needed construction and infrastructure projects. In my home State of Pennsylvania, our infrastructure is in desperate need of repair. We have bridges and roads that date back to the Civil War, and traffic congestion is a daily hassle. There is near unanimous agreement that we must invest in our Nation's infrastructure, but the question remains of how to pay for it. The President and some Democrats in Congress have suggested that we use taxpayer dollars in the form of a second stimulus package. This bill funds infrastructure investment using private sector dollars, not taxpayer money or borrowed Chinese dollars. This innovative approach will allow for the private sector to help fund our recovery without adding to the deficit. And most importantly, H.R. 1861 would put countless Americans back to work. Offshore oil exploration is estimated to create 1.2 million quality jobs annually, and for every $1 billion invested in our infrastructure, an estimated 30,000 good-paying, long-term jobs are created for contractors, construction workers, engineers, steelworkers, building trades, and others. Since the beginning, I have made jobs my top priority, supporting legislation designed to incentivize hiring and create an atmosphere where small businesses will grow. I welcome President Obama's recent entrance into the work already being done by the House of Representatives to address the unacceptably high unemployment rate. It is important that Congress put aside partisan politics and put America back on the track to prosperity. I call on the Senate and the President to pass the jobs bill that the House of Representatives has already passed with bipartisan support. As the Congress debates various methods of economic growth and job creation in the coming weeks, I'm hopeful that we will take an approach which incorporates the common sense outlined in this bill. Doing so will require a spirit of bipartisan cooperation to be successful. It will not be easy, but I will continue to focus my energy on creating a strong American economy and a brighter future for our children and our grandchildren. I thank my friend from Pennsylvania.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the many life achievements and dedication to community service of a constituent of mine, Mrs. Mary Fawkes, of Croydon, Pennsylvania. Mary has had a major impact in the lives of many people throughout Bucks County. She has three children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She has been happily married for sixty-four years with the love of her life, Mr. Harry Fawkes. Mary's work was also instrumental in the success of her husband's refuse business. She has been active in the local political community for fifty-two years and is known by some as the First Lady of Bucks County. Mary has served on the board of trustees for the Bucks County Community College and is currently a director emeritus of this important institution of learning in Bucks County. She is also lifetime member of the Bucks County Rescue Squad which provides high quality care and emergency transportation. She was also active with the Lower Bucks Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs. Fawkes has consistently given back to the community supporting many organizations throughout the County; she always makes time to serve those in need. A Bristol High School alumnus, Mary was, among other things, active as an actress in school plays, a Girl Scout patrol leader, and captain of the cheerleaders. Her close friends describe her as being intelligent, a great listener, excellent at providing advice and being supportive in times of need. In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, crochet, and going to lunch with friends. Serving her community of Bucks County, Pennsylvania has been most notably felt through her dedication, patience and appreciation for the work of her husband Chairman Harry Fawkes in his unprecedented, skillful, benevolent and successful leadership of the Bucks County Republican Committee. The soft, silent but strong presence that Mary has gifted to Harry's leadership and the time she has permitted him to selflessly serve his community and his country is a lasting legacy to the community and county where she has lived life, raised family and served others. Mrs. Fawkes' work has positively impacted the lives of many of the residents of our great community. She provides an excellent example on how to balance work, friends, family, and service. I am honored to call her a neighbor and a friend. I congratulate her for a life of many achievements.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Marilyn Heine, of Dresher, PA who has been named the 162d President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Heine has been a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for 22 years, and will now lead this organization as it aims to shape health care delivery to assure that the evolving system provides quality and value to patients and the community. An active member of the medical community in Pennsylvania, Dr. Heine has served as a delegate to the PA Medical Society's House of Delegates and has played an important role in the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Foundation. Dr. Heine has also served as president of the Medical Society in my home of Bucks County and was recognized YWCA of Bucks County as a Woman Who Makes a Difference. She has dedicated her professional career to the advancement of medicine in her community, and the Pennsylvania Medical Society is fortunate to have her as its incoming president. Dr. Marilyn Heine has made it her life's work not only to serve her patients in her practice, but also to improve the healthcare industry here in Pennsylvania. Her dedication serves as an example for her fellow healthcare professionals and I congratulate her on her new position.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Elaine Gawronski of Revere, Pennsylvania who passed away on September 20, 2011 at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. As a public servant, Elaine was truly committed to the well-being of her friends and neighbors in Nockamixon Township. Having moved to Bucks County from Ithaca, New York, Elaine received her education in Southeastern Pennsylvania, graduating first from Germantown High School, and later from Temple University. A prominent member of her community, Elaine served both local government and community groups as treasurer for Nockamixon Township, the Palisades Republican Club, the Nockamixon Community Day Committee, and the Nockamixon Historical Society. Additionally, she served as Nockamixon Township Auditor and as Recording Secretary for the Nockamixon Planning Commission. Elaine's faith also played an important role in her life. She served as parishioner of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and as a member of the school's Home and School Committee. As a beloved family member, dedicated worker and loyal community servant, Elaine's life serves as an example to all of us. She generously dedicated her time and her efforts to enhance the quality of life of her family and community, and she will certainly be missed.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Nancy Keenan of Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Nancy was truly committed to the well-being of her friends and neighbors, particularly to the senior citizens of Bucks County. A self-educated woman, Nancy became an integral part of her community, serving as member of the Perkasie Borough Council, a frequent columnist for her local paper, the Morning Call, the chairperson of the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, and a member of the Southeast Regional Council of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. Of all the projects Nancy was a part of during her remarkable life, one of the dearest to her was the foundation of the new Pennridge Community Senior Center in Silverdale. While the task of raising funds to build this new center was no small undertaking, Nancy patiently and diligently persevered until the project was completed. Her advocacy for the senior citizens of Bucks County goes well beyond the construction of a single building, and this new center will stand as a testament to her hard work and dedication for generations to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia and the NASTAR Foundation will kick off World Space Week by welcoming Shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson, who led the final U.S. shuttle mission to the International Space Station. When the shuttle returned on July 20th, it marked the end of a 30-year NASA program. Ferguson's mission, the 33rd flight of Atlantis, was the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Commander Ferguson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his mother Mary Ann and stepfather Norman now reside in Langhorne, Bucks County. Ferguson graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. Ferguson also received a master of science in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. In 1986, Ferguson earned his Navy Wings and was ordered to the F-14 Tomcat training squadron in Virginia Beach, VA. Later, he joined the ``Red Rippers'' of VF-11, deploying to the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian oceans onboard the USS Forrestal. In 1995, he joined the ``Checkmates'' of VF-211, completing a deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf in defense of the Iraqi no-fly zone on board the USS Nimitz. Throughout his military career, Ferguson has earned many commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Navy Strike-Flight Air Medal. In 1998, Ferguson reported to the Johnson Space Center. He served as spacecraft communicator for the STS-118, 120, 128 and 129 missions. Ferguson was also the pilot of STS-115, and commanded STS-126 and 135. In September 2010, he began training with a crew of four for a rescue mission that evolved into STS-135, a station cargo delivery flight that carried the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module ``Raffaello.'' Being the final flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis, Commander Chris Ferguson requested that a stainless steel star cut from an original panel of the Fels Planetarium dome at the Franklin Institute be flown into space aboard the STS-135. Today, the star returns with Commander Ferguson, and will be placed on display at the Franklin Institute, for all to see. Commander Ferguson is a decorated military officer, and a distinguished son of Pennsylvania. The 8th District of Pennsylvania and I are proud to honor him this week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia and the NASTAR Foundation will kick off World Space Week by welcoming Shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson, who led the final U.S. shuttle mission to the International Space Station. When the shuttle returned on July 20, it marked the end of a 30-year NASA program. Ferguson's mission, the 33rd flight of Atlantis, was the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Commander Ferguson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his mother Mary Ann and stepfather Norman now reside in Langhorne, Bucks County. Ferguson graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. Throughout his career, Ferguson has earned many commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Strike-Flight Air Medal and three NASA Spaceflight Medals. Commander Ferguson is a decorated military officer, and a distinguished son of Pennsylvania. The 8th District of Pennsylvania and I are proud to honor him this week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Bucks County Conservation District. Their mission is to provide for the wise use, management, and development of Bucks County's soil, water, and other important natural resources. Through a comprehensive approach which includes traditional advocacy as well as educational efforts such as school-based programs to present lessons to students on soil and water conservation, and watershed education for teachers to educate them on the importance of protecting our watersheds, Bucks County Conservation District is leading the conservation efforts in my district. Local solutions that originate in groups like the Bucks County Conservation District are often the best solutions, and I congratulate them on celebrating 50 years of success and I wish them the best of luck as they work to preserve vital soil and water resources for generations to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1380.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the township of Warminster, Pennsylvania, upon the celebration of its 300th anniversary. The township derives its name from the town of Warminster, in Wiltshire, England. Warminster is the twin township of Southampton, Pennsylvania, which lies immediately southeast and adjoining. It is also bounded by the townships of Northampton, Warwick, and Warrington, all of which lie in my Congressional district, the 8th District of Pennsylvania. To this day, Warminster has the same limits as when originally laid out, with an area of over six thousand and ninety-nine acres. Warminster was one of the earliest townships settled in America, with roots tracing all the way back to the 17th century. John Hart and John Rush were among the most prominent early settlers in Warminster, both arriving shortly after William Penn in the latter part of the 17th century. Combined, Hart and Rush owned over one thousand acres of land in the Warminster area. They, along with many other early settlers and statesman, helped to foster growth in Warminster by aiding in road and church construction, and farm development, thus laying the groundwork for the beautiful township of Warminster. Many years later, Warminster became a refuge for American soldiers during the Revolutionary War, at the battle of Crooked Billet. In the skirmish action, British forces launched a surprise attack against Brigadier General John Lacey and three regiments of Pennsylvania militia, forcing them to retreat into the farms in Warminster. During the wake of WWII, Warminster also became the home of one of the largest naval modification units in the area. At the Naval Air Development Center in Johnsville, large quantities of aircraft parts were modified for use in the war, and progress was made on the development of guided missiles. The NADC also played a critical role in training mercury astronauts and establishing the United States as the world leader in technology and space exploration. During the cold war era, the NADC employed over 2600 people, including 1600 scientists and engineers, and 300 members of the military. With such a rich history, it is clear that Warminster Township deserves much recognition and praise. I am honored to represent the people of Warminster Township, and wish them all the best on this momentous occasion.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the birth of Mr. Lou Lara, a constituent of mine who, on this day, turns 103 years old. Over the course of his life, Mr. Lara has given many reasons for his community and indeed his country to be proud. Born in West Babylon, New York, Mr. Lara went on to serve his country in the National Guard. He got an education and went on to become an engineer where he went to work for the government. Despite his age, he continues to enjoy woodworking, and brings a smile and joy to all those around him at Twining Village in Holland Bucks County, where he lives in an independent living community. Mr. Lara's life has served as the model by which many others can use as an example of how to live a fulfilling life while at the same time giving service to one's country and community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I appreciate the invitation, but the way to amend the act is in regular order in the committee, not necessarily through the appropriations process.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. I appreciate the invitation. And the way to amend the act is in regular order, not in appropriation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment, which I have cosponsored, that would remove a rider from this bill that would seriously compromise the effectiveness of the landmark Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law almost 40 years ago in 1973. The extinction rider in this bill is a sweeping action that will prevent the Fish and Wildlife Service from spending any money on listing new plants and animals under the Endangered Species Act, designating critical habitat, or upgrading species from threatened to endangered. At the same time, the bill maintains funding for delisting species, creating an incomplete and lopsided endangered species policy. Mr. Chairman, my constituents in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the American people support the important mission of the ESA, and it's not hard to see why. Preserving animals and plants brings countless benefits to people, and a loss of a species can have dangerous and expensive consequences in the future. For example, the U.S. Geological Survey recently estimated that the loss of bats in North America would cost agricultural producers nearly $4 billion per year, including those in my district. We also never know which species of plants and animals may be important in developing lifesaving medicines in the future. But the ESA's primary success to date has been to prevent the extinction of hundreds of species, including the American alligator, grizzly bear, and gray wolf. Indeed, less than two dozen species have gone extinct under the act, and most of these species were already doomed to extinction by the time they were listed. Perhaps the most iconic among these species saved by the act is our national symbol, the bald eagle. On June 20, 1782, our Founding Fathers adopted the bald eagle as our national emblem. On the backs of many of our coins we see an eagle with outspread wings. On the Great Seal of the United States, on the seal of this very House of Representatives, and in many places which are exponents of our Nation's authority, we see the same emblem. Living as it does on the tops of lofty mountains and in river valleys as close as the Potomac, the eagle represents freedom. However, by the mid-20th century, the bald eagle was severely threatened and reduced to just 400 nesting pairs. Bald eagles were declared an endangered species in 1967 in the lower 48 States under a less cohesive, less effective act. Then the ESA was signed into law. As a result of this, on July 4, 1976, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially listed the bald eagle as a national endangered species. And thanks to the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service upgraded the bald eagle to threatened status in the lower 48 States in 1995 and officially removed it from the nationwide list in 2007. Today, after decades of conservation effort, the Interior Department reports that there are some 10,000 nesting pairs for us and for future generations to cherish. Because, in large part, of the ESA, my children have had the chance to see a bald eagle in its natural habitat. This amendment will remove the funding restriction on the listing and limit the funding to what has been spent on these activities in recent years. Additionally, the overall funding amount for the ESA and related programs of $138 million is significantly less than in past years, including in fiscal year 2008. Mr. Chairman, decisions about wildlife management should be made by scientists, not by politicians. Preventing listing is not the answer. We must allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to do their job and protect species while making improvements to increase the efficiency of this crucial program. As I close, I implore my colleagues to imagine if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had been restricted from listing the American bald eagle. This majestic creature, without corrective measures, would have been lost only to books and to our national memory. We have a responsibility to prevent the extinction of fish, plants, and wildlife because once they're gone, they're gone forever and we can't bring them back. I urge support for this amendment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, today I have the high honor and solemn task of rising to commemorate the life and service of Master Sergeant Kenneth Elwell, who was killed in action in Afghanistan this past Sunday. Sergeant Elwell, who enlisted in the Army shortly after his graduation from Council Rock North High School, was killed along with a fellow infantryman by an IED during a routine foot patrol in Kandahar on the morning of July 17. He leaves behind a wife Kristen and two children, Elise and Nicholas of Fort Wainwright, Alaska; his mother Janice of Holland, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and countless other family and friends whose lives he touched. While those close to Sergeant Elwell have lost a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, America too has lost a hero. He served our Nation because he loved our Nation. His sister summed up his services perfectly when she said, ``He did what he loved, so we could do the simple, everyday things that we take for granted.'' And although the grief of the family must be overwhelming, I hope that they're able to take a measure of solace in the gratitude of the Nation that Kenneth died defending. Tonight his community will honor and remember him, but it is the duty of all of us here in Congress and across our grateful Nation to never forget his ultimate sacrifice and the family that he leaves behind.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit this poem in honor of one of America's greatest son's, Senator Robert Dole of Russell, Kansas, ``America's Son'' penned by Albert Caswell . . . in honor of his birthday on July 22nd when he turns 88. America's Son . . . America's Son . . . One of her most blessed, of all one's! A man of such charm and grace . . . A true reflection of our Lord's heart and courage's face! All in what he so faced! From out of the Midwest . . . One of Russell Kansas, and America's very best! Who has, but our nation so blessed! Who all in times of war, helped Save The World . . . let's hear the yeas! The True Measure, of a what great man so is! A 10th Mountain Man . . . Who in his way, would not let any mountain so stand! All In His Profiles of Courage, who came armed with but only his faith! A Man of God, a future Angel one day! Who has touched so many hearts, all alone his way . . . Who with his sense of humor, helped wipe all of those tears away! Whose kindness and great heart, to Heaven has so shown us all the way! Who married up with Elizabeth, I must say! The Soldier's Friend! Time and time again! Who put the A in Army my friend! Whether, over at Walter Reed . . . helping recoveries to so speed! As a shining example to of all of those heroes in need! Showing all of those harmed by war, that up ahead but lies so much more! Or on The Mall, those Freedom Flights . . . with his Brothers In Arms so bright! Bob Dole . . . Bob Dole . . . a man with a heart of gold! What happens, when Leader's Lead! America's Heart And Soul! Yea Bob, you make me so proud to be . . . an American! God Bless America, for in your life Bob you make freedom sing! America's Son! How one man can touch so many lives, is a reflection of our Lord's heart! Bless you Bob and your family, as you have blessed our Nation. --Albert Caswell